Chapter 2: Problem 69
Each function is either even or odd Evaluate \(f(-x)\) to determine which situation applies. $$f(x)=\frac{1}{2 x}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The function is odd.
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Definitions
A function is **even** if for all numbers \(x\) in the domain of \(f\), \(f(-x) = f(x)\). It is **odd** if \(f(-x) = -f(x)\). Our task is to determine which of these properties applies to the function \(f(x) = \frac{1}{2x}\). If neither holds, then the function is neither even nor odd.
02
Calculate \(f(-x)\)
We start by substituting \(-x\) into the function. \[ f(-x) = \frac{1}{2(-x)} = \frac{-1}{2x} \]
03
Compare \(f(-x)\) with \(f(x)\)
Now compare \(f(-x) = \frac{-1}{2x}\) to \(f(x) = \frac{1}{2x}\).It follows that:- \(f(-x) eq f(x)\), so the function is not even.- \(f(-x) = -f(x)\) since \(\frac{-1}{2x} = -\frac{1}{2x}\), so the function is odd.
04
Conclusion: Determine Function Type
Since \(f(-x) = -f(x)\) is true, the function \(f(x) = \frac{1}{2x}\) is an odd function.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Understanding Function Evaluation
Function evaluation involves substituting a specific input value into a function to find the output. In our exercise, we need to evaluate the function at \(-x\) to check if it's even or odd.
We began with the function \(f(x) = \frac{1}{2x}\). To evaluate \(f(-x)\), substitute \(-x\) into the function in place of \(x\):
We began with the function \(f(x) = \frac{1}{2x}\). To evaluate \(f(-x)\), substitute \(-x\) into the function in place of \(x\):
- Original function: \(f(x) = \frac{1}{2x}\)
- Evaluated function: \(f(-x) = \frac{1}{2(-x)} = \frac{-1}{2x}\)
Exploring Function Properties
Functions have various properties, including symmetry. Symmetry helps identify if a function is even or odd.
Understanding whether a function is even or odd gives insight into its behavior:
Understanding whether a function is even or odd gives insight into its behavior:
- A function is **even** if \(f(-x) = f(x)\) for all \(x\) in the domain. Graphically, it means the function is symmetrical about the y-axis.
- A function is **odd** if \(f(-x) = -f(x)\). This gives the graph rotational symmetry of 180 degrees about the origin.
- If neither condition is met, the function is neither even nor odd.
- \(f(-x) eq f(x)\), so \(f(x)\) is not even.
- \(f(-x) = -f(x)\), confirming that \(f(x)\) is odd.
Relating Precalculus Concepts to Even and Odd Functions
In precalculus, examining even and odd functions helps students understand function behavior deeply.
These concepts form a foundation for more complex mathematical ideas:
These concepts form a foundation for more complex mathematical ideas:
- Even functions simplify calculus work as they often have predictable derivatives and integrals.
- Odd functions provide interesting characteristics to their calculus when analyzing areas under curves or rotating around axes.
- The familiarity with even and odd functions aids in exploring polynomial, trigonometric, and other advanced functions later in calculus.